Rockford Public Library celebrates opening of new main branch

Rockford Public Library's new main branch welcomes the community to enjoy books and activities.
The Rockford community gathered to celebrate the opening of Rockford Public Library's new main branch.

Rockford Public Library's new $39 million main branch along the Rock River opened in time for summertime readers to enjoy the 66,000-square-foot "showstopper" designed to serve the community better.

The new library has three floors, each with a different purpose and outdoor access. The first floor offers services for youth development, the second floor includes a computer area and quiet study rooms, and the third floor features a local history room and conference rooms for rent. All floors provide hands-on activities for people of all ages to learn new skills.

"This facility is truly a showstopper outside and inside," Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 22.

Read more about the project in the Rock River Current and Rockford Register Star.